Did you know the month of September is National Breakfast Month? Well, before the month is over, I want to share with you a healthy breakfast of mine that has become a house favorite!

Besides the famous phrase of “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, you’ve probably heard about other benefits for having breakfast. One of them is that eating breakfast helps with weight control. There has been many studies that have looked at this, but further research is needed to demonstrate the relationship between eating breakfast and weight management. However, your body still needs energy when you wake up and why not give it a healthy, delicious breakfast. It’s the least your kind body deserves!

One of my favorite breakfasts is oatmeal. What I love most about oats is that I can be creative with it by adding different depths of flavors and toppings to it. That’s always the fun part when I'm preparing any meal! Your oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring or bland – ever. A dash of cinnamon or pieces of fresh fruit can really spice up your morning breakfast and your taste buds will thank you for it.

The great thing about oats is that it contains fiber, helping you feel satiated (or full) for a longer time. And studies have shown that eating a high-fiber diet may lower blood pressure and total cholesterol – a good reason to add oatmeal to your daily breakfast. Try choosing steel-cut or old fashioned oats as they have more fiber than the instant or pre-cooked oats.

Have you checked out the Nutritional Information yet? Don’t be afraid of the calorie content in this recipe. By using steel-cut oats and other raw toppings, you’re giving your body nutrient-dense calories without the preservatives or other additives that most instant oatmeal have.

Cinnamon Oatmeal with Pear

Serves: 2Total Time: 10 - 20 minutesMeal Type: Breakfast

Ingredients

1 cup oats

2 cups soy milk (or your favorite milk)*

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 medium pear, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp raw sliced almonds, for each dish

1/4 tsp chia seeds, for each dish

Directions

Prepare oats according to package direction or follow directions below. Time may vary.

In a medium saucepan, combine milk and oats and bring to simmer.

Reduce heat and stir occasionally. Cook for about 10 – 15 minutes or until the oats have soften.

While oats are cooking, begin cutting the pear into cubed, bite-size pieces.

Turn off heat and stir in cinnamon.

Serve half the oats into each bowl, add half the pear on top, and sprinkle chia seeds and almonds over each bowl.

Nutritional Information (per serving)*

Calories: 329| Protein: 14gm| Fiber: 9gm| Sugar: 16gm*Majority of sugar comes from fruit. You may also substitute water for milk if desire.